Preserving Heritage.
Building Community.
Inspiring Generations.
Since 1955, Ahmedabad South Indian Association has worked to preserve and promote Dravidian languages, culture, education and community life in Gujarat.
Celebrating 7 Decades of Unity & Service
Fostering education, fine arts, classical dance, Carnatic music, and Dravidian linguistic unity since 1955.
Constitutional Areas of Service & Excellence
Explore the core avenues through which ASIA preserves Dravidian identity and enriches educational and social welfare in Gujarat.
Language & Culture
Preservation and promotion of Dravidian languages, scripts, literature and cultural heritage across Gujarat.
- Dravidian language propagation
- Classical script preservation
- Literary and heritage lectures
A Living Tradition of Culture & Community in Ahmedabad
Ahmedabad South Indian Association (ASIA) is a community association established in Ahmedabad in 1955 with the objective of preserving, promoting and propagating Dravidian languages, scripts and culture while fostering education, cultural participation and community life.
Over the decades, ASIA has developed into an organisation serving South Indian linguistic communities in Gujarat and supporting educational, cultural and social initiatives. Its constitutional objects cover education, fine arts, language and literature, music, dance, drama, cultural programmes, scholarships, community gatherings and institutions connected with the preservation and promotion of Dravidian language and culture.
Constitutional Governance Highlights
Join the Ahmedabad South Indian Association
Open to men and women above 18 years belonging to South Indian linguistic minorities residing in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, or anywhere in Gujarat.
About ASIA
Official profile, constitutional registration details, vision, mission, and the founding objects of the Ahmedabad South Indian Association.
ASIA English School Campus
Drive-in-Road, Opposite Drive-in-Cinema, Thaltej
Core Institutional Details
Official Name: Ahmedabad South Indian Association (ASIA)
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Founded / Established | 20 February 1955 |
| Registration | Societies Registration Act, 1860 |
| Registration No. | BOM/11/ABD |
| Registration Date | 01-11-1957 |
| Association Year | 1 April to 31 March |
| Registered Office |
ASIA Campus, Drive-in-Road, Ahmedabad – 380054, Gujarat, India. The Bye-Laws specify the registered office as ASIA English School Premises, Opposite Drive-in-Cinema, Thaltej, Ahmedabad – 380054. |
| Office Phone (Recorded) | +91 79 2685 6446 |
Profile of the Association
Ahmedabad South Indian Association (ASIA) is a community association established in Ahmedabad in 1955 with the objective of preserving, promoting and propagating Dravidian languages, scripts and culture while fostering education, cultural participation and community life.
Over the decades, ASIA has developed into an organisation serving South Indian linguistic communities in Gujarat and supporting educational, cultural and social initiatives. Its constitutional objects cover education, fine arts, language and literature, music, dance, drama, cultural programmes, scholarships, community gatherings and institutions connected with the preservation and promotion of Dravidian language and culture.
Our Vision
"To preserve, promote and pass on the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Dravidian communities while fostering education, community participation and cultural harmony in Gujarat."
Our Mission
"To create opportunities for education, cultural expression, fine arts, community engagement and the preservation of Dravidian languages, literature, music, dance and traditions."
Chairman's Desk
Strategic direction and executive leadership behind ASIA Charitable Trust.
Dr. M. P. Chandran
Chairman, ASIA Charitable Trust
Biography & Profile
Dr. M. P. Chandran is the Chairman of ASIA Charitable Trust, which owns and manages 17 colleges and three schools. Passionate about education, Dr. Chandran has been at the forefront of ACT's educational initiatives and is responsible for the overall management and strategic development of the institutions under the Trust.
His commitment to quality education has driven ACT's expansion into higher education and culminated in the establishment of JG University, which commenced operations in August 2023.
With more than 30 years of senior and board-level management experience, Dr. Chandran has held leadership positions with organizations including Bank of India, British Gas, UGC Gujarat Gas Ltd., and Petroleum Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd.
He is a Post Graduate in Management and has also served as the Chairperson of the Education Task Force of the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry for several years.
"Our responsibility is not merely to confer degrees, but to build moral character, independent thinking, and emotional resilience in every student who walks through our doors."
Activities & Focus Areas
Fostering linguistic heritage, classical performing arts, holistic education, and cultural fellowship across Gujarat.
Key Initiatives & Community Programs
Preserving, promoting and propagating Dravidian arts, education, and heritage.
Language & Culture
Preservation and promotion of Dravidian languages, scripts, literature and cultural heritage across Gujarat.
Music & Performing Arts
Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, drama, Harikatha/Kalakshepam and other fine arts.
Education & Academics
Schools, special classes, coaching, colleges, general, technical, scientific and liberal-arts education.
Scholarships & Recognition
Scholarships, prizes, certificates and diplomas in accordance with the Association's objects.
Community Gatherings
Games, music, drama, social entertainment and cultural, social and educational gatherings.
Performances & Cultural Exchange
Inviting performing artists for demonstrations and performances for the community and children.
Publications & Literary Work
The constitutional objects permit publishing journals, magazines, books and other literary works to advance cultural and linguistic scholarship.
Journey of ASIA
Trace our growth and enduring legacy in descending chronological order from modern milestones to our founding in 1955.
Expansion to University Level
Expansion to a university in 2021, establishing a complete educational continuum from foundational schooling to higher academic degrees.
Educational Ecosystem Expansion
The educational ecosystem expanded steadily through premier schools, institutes, colleges, and multifaceted higher education faculties.
Educational Journey Begins
The educational journey began with an English-medium co-educational school and subsequently expanded to serve generations of students in Gujarat.
ASIA Charitable Trust (ACT) Established
ASIA Charitable Trust (ACT) was established to spearhead and support educational activities, institutional governance, and campus expansion.
Registration Under Societies Registration Act, 1860
ASIA was registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 with Registration No. BOM/11/ABD on 01-11-1957.
Establishment of Ahmedabad South Indian Association
ASIA was established on 20 February 1955 by South Indians residing in Ahmedabad to preserve, promote, and propagate Dravidian culture and heritage.
Membership Guide & Bye-Laws
Eligibility, categories, contributions, member rights, voting qualifications, compassionate provisions, and regulations.
Choose Your Membership Category
Categories defined under the approved Bye-Laws with advance subscription structures.
Life Member
Standard lifetime category under the Association Bye-Laws.
- Full voting rights in General Body (upon statutory register inclusion)
- Official Association Identity Card issuance
- Eligible to contest Managing Committee after one Association year
- May later upgrade to Patron by paying the difference (₹75,000)
- Access to all community gatherings, cultural events & recitals
Patron
Premier benefactor tier supporting linguistic & educational growth.
- Preferential treatment at Association functions & major festivals
- Reserved seating arrangements at premier auditorium gatherings
- Enhanced invitations & complimentary function passes
- Subject to Managing Committee policy & official recognition
- Full voting rights & General Body eligibility
Compassionate Member
Family continuity mechanism for surviving spouse or children.
- Available for eligible spouse or children of a deceased member
- Applicant must be permanently settled & resident in Gujarat
- Application to be submitted within 3 months of date of death
- Subject to Managing Committee approval and conditions
- Maintains continuous family engagement within the Association
Who Can Become a Member?
- Men and women above 18 years.
- Persons belonging to the linguistic-minority category defined by the Bye-Laws.
- Residents of Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar or anywhere in Gujarat.
- Every new entrant is to be introduced by an existing member.
- The Managing Committee retains authority over admission, subject to the Bye-Laws.
Exceptional Membership
In exceptional cases, a person who does not meet the normal qualification may be admitted where the Managing Committee considers the membership helpful and conducive to the preservation and propagation of Dravidian language and culture.
Application Pathway
Privileges & Voting Rights
- • Identity Card: Mandatory for attending Association meetings, functions, events, elections and voting. Contains photograph, name, address, and membership details.
- • Voting Eligibility: The member must have been issued an Association identity card and appear in the Membership Register as of the close of 31 May of the relevant year.
- • General Body: Consists of members on the Membership Register who are eligible to vote in accordance with the Bye-Laws.
Compassionate Provisions
The supplied Bye-Laws do not establish an automatic transfer of membership to a nominee. Instead, they provide a Compassionate Membership mechanism.
- Eligible: spouse or children of a deceased member permanently settled in Gujarat.
- Prescribed application submitted within 3 months from date of death.
- Managing Committee considers conduct and involvement; nominal fee payable.
Membership Withdrawal
- • Member submits written resignation addressed to the President.
- • President presents resignation with recommendations to the next Managing Committee.
- • Accepted by simple majority of members present.
- • Non-Refundable: Membership fees already paid are not refundable.
- • Reapplication: A person who resigns may apply for new membership after three years by paying applicable fees.
Disciplinary Procedures
- • Written explanation requested in disciplinary matters; enquiry initiated if appropriate.
- • General Body may approve recommended punishment as prescribed.
- • Suspended members lose meeting and voting rights until decision.
- • Ten-Year Bar: A member suspended under the Bye-Laws is not eligible to contest for office-bearer positions for 10 years from suspension.
- • Lifetime Bar: A dismissed member is not eligible to become a member again during their lifetime.
Leadership & Positions
Managing Committee composition, honorary office-bearers, election eligibility, family leadership limits, and electoral procedures.
Managing Committee & Structure
The Managing Committee consists of 15 elected members. One-third of the elected members are replaced each year after completing a three-year term, creating a continuing body. Retiring members are eligible for re-election.
Honorary Office Bearers
Nominated by the Managing Committee from among its elected members at its first meeting:
*All positions are strictly honorary.
Pathway to Leadership
Electoral Eligibility
| Position | Eligibility | Additional Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Committee Member | Must be an eligible voter and have completed at least one Association year as an ASIA member. | Candidate must satisfy the linguistic-minority requirement in the applicable Bye-Laws. |
| Trustee, ASIA Charitable Trust | Must have completed one full three-year term as an ASIA Managing Committee member. | Subject to applicable election/Trust rules. |
Family Leadership Restriction
At any given time, only one member from a family may be eligible to serve either on the ASIA Managing Committee or as a Trustee of ASIA Charitable Trust. The Bye-Laws also restrict a family member from contesting for the Managing Committee when another member of the same family is already a trustee of ACT, and vice versa.
Electoral Procedure
Events & Gallery
Annual general body meetings, upcoming cultural celebrations, election notices, and visual archives.
Association Notices & Events
Annual General Body Meeting (AGM)
Presentation of annual reports, audited accounts for the association year (1 April to 31 March), and election updates for eligible voters.
Dravidian Classical Music & Dance Festival
Carnatic vocal recitals, Bharatanatyam, and demonstrations by invited masters for community members and children.
Membership Register Close for Voting Eligibility
Statutory cut-off for inclusion in the Membership Register (31 May) and announcement of Returning Officer schedule.
Photo & Video Gallery
Categories: Cultural Events, Music & Dance, Community, Education, Awards & AGM.
Governance & Transparency
Official statutory resources, constitutional documents, data conflict checklist, and governance hierarchy rules.
Official Documents & Notices
Governance Hierarchy Protocol
Source priority rule whenever website content conflicts:
Verification Checklist
Contact ASIA
Reach out for membership enquiries, event information, cultural participation, and governance records.
Registered Office
Opposite Drive-in-Cinema, Thaltej,
Ahmedabad – 380054, Gujarat, India.
ASIA Campus, Dr. John Geevargese Marg, Drive-In Rd, near Himalaya Mall, Sunrise Park, Thaltej, Ahmedabad.